| Thank You Raphael Barragán for Joining OPA as our First Ever “DIAMOND Business Member”! Raphael has committed $3000 of support to the organization over the next year, which includes $1000 as the Diamond Member and $2000 towards branded event sponsorships at our various events throughout the year. About Raphael: He is a globally respected real estate broker and longtime Santa Monica resident, where he has lived with his wife, Rebecca, and two children, Amelie and Sebastian, for over 20 years. With deep expertise in both residential and commercial real estate, he is known for delivering personalized service and strategic results to clients in Santa Monica and throughout Greater Los Angeles. Beyond his professional work, Raphael is committed to community involvement—he volunteers as a youth soccer coach with Santa Monica AYSO and serves on the Executive Committee of the Mariner Parent Association at St. Monica Prep. His local insight, leadership, and dedication to service continue to make a lasting impact both in business and in the community. We encourage all community members to share their appreciation with Raphael by following his Facebook page here, his Instagram page here, checking out RaphaelBarragan.com or by emailing him here. If other businesses are interested in joining, business memberships start at $50 and include a variety of benefits. Individual and family memberships start at only $10! More details here or reply to this newsletter with any questions.OPA July 14 Monthly Meeting Monday: This month’s meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here’s the zoom link and here’s schedule:6:00 – 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 – 6:45pm: SMPD 6:45 – 7:00: Lana Negrete, Mayor 7:00 – 7:15: Cathy Taylor, SMFD Fire Prevention Coordinator 7:15 – 7:30: Eli Gill, Abundance in Santa Monica 7:30 – 8:30: Board business, including upcoming calendar of eventsICE on Main St.? This has not been verified yet, but multiple reported seeing ICE agents on Wednesday morning and there are no reports of detentions.Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site: The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council. More details here. City’s Economic Development Task Force lays out priorities, creating short and long-term goals: This SMDP report from the task force discusses their “five areas of focus: Special events, Capital improvements, Partnerships and funding opportunities, Internal operations, & Communications, marketing and branding.”Big Blue Bus Implements Fare Policy Changes: Beginning Aug. 10, the Santa Monica Department of Transportation will increase fares on the Big Blue Bus system for the first time in nearly a decade. Regular fare will increase from $1.10 to $1.25 among other increases. More details here.New SaMo Bridge Program Refers 56 People in First Month: According to city officials, the program is on pace to meet its goal of serving 260 individuals annually. Operating out of a 24/7 respite hub at Main St. and Pico Blvd., SaMo Bridge allows law enforcement to refer individuals to the center instead of jail following minor offenses. At the hub, participants receive clean clothing, snacks, and a safe place to rest while case management begins. More details here. Santa Monica Public Library Launches Community Mapping Survey: SMPL’s Community Mapping initiative seeks to design library programs and services that reflect the needs of the community, enhancing the library’s role as an inclusive and accessible space for all. Take the survey online in English or Spanish through Sept. 30. Patrons who share their email address upon completing the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card to a local business. More details here. Santa Monica Home Defies Convention: This Rustic Canyon home that rents for nearly $25k/month features “shape-shifting design pistachio-colored marvel boasts curving walls, sharp angles, and challenging design. Pics and more details here.Things To Do This Weekend: Ocean Park Summer Picnic Series (Thursday 5:30 – 7:30pm (drop by anytime)): While this is not an OPA event, it is organized by Tess, who is a super engaged OPA member who is spearheading creating community events.Where: Hotchkiss Park – closer to 4th Street (to the left of the bathrooms if you’re coming from 4th).What you bring: Your own food/drink and something to sit on (chair or blanket) What we’ll bring: As always, we’ll have name tags!Why are we doing this: We are looking to build an increased sense of community and connection in Ocean Park. Optional Icebreaker: Meeting a new neighbor? Ask if they had any traditions growing up that made them feel connected to their community. Future Dates: July 24, Aug 7, Aug 21Santa Monica Forward Happy Hour (Thursday 6-8pm): @ Brew WorksSummer Clambake at Lunetta (now through Sunday): Chef Raphael Lunetta brings a taste of the East Coast to Santa Monica with a festive Summer Clambake now through July 12. The experience kicks off with spinach and artichoke dip with baked Parmesan potato chips, followed by a chicory Caesar. The main event is a hearty clambake platter piled high with Little Neck and Cherrystone clams, P.E.I. black mussels, Caledonian blue prawns, calamari, ahi tuna, apple chicken sausage, corn, fingerling potatoes, and summer squash—all simmered in a galangola kombu broth and served with grilled baguette. $65/person. Menu here.Fridge Gold: A Guide to Preserving Freshness, Fighting Waste & Dabbling in Fermentation (Saturday 9 – 11am): Learn the basics and fun science of properly storing your food for nutrition, deliciousness and longevity. Explore creative ideas to reduce waste by making delicious condiments with things like those kale stems you were going to throw out. And get a fun primer on simple ways to ferment to expand your pantry and add new flavors to your repertoire. @ Main Street Community Garden, 2318 Main St.Santamonica.gov/eventsAdoptapalooza Pet Adoption Event (Saturday 1 – 6pm): “Because summertime is the perfect time to get a new bestie.” @ Green Dog Dental & Vet Clinic, 210 Main St., Venice https://www.instagram.com/greendogdentalvet/ Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): Lot’s going on at the Main Street Farmers Market this coming Sunday with singer, songwriter, Jasmine Ruvalcaba at 9am and the GM Jazz Quartet at 10am. On the lawn, My Gym kids obstacle course, Big & Tiny crafts for kids and Fit 4 Mom mini yoga classes. Check out the new food vendors Hasi Bread and Banane and Brandon’s Ice Cream. See you there! |
OPA Update 7/10/25: Thank You Raphael Barragán for Joining OPA as our First Ever “DIAMOND Business Member”, OPA July 14 Monthly Meeting Monday, ICE on Main St.?, & Things To Do This Weekend
Date:
More like thisRelated
Give Input on Metro Sepulveda Rail Plan to connect Valley and Westside
The following article also appears at Streetsblog Los Angeles.Metro...
Kool Happenings: Holding Out For A Hero
If you've seen the movie Footloose even once, you are familiar...
City Council Studies Design and Features Options for a Future Park at the SantaMonica Airport
It was no quiet night in city council chambers...
Council Votes More Money for SMPD, Park-Only Option for SMO and For Study of Whether Or Not to Continue Funding Neighborhood Groups
When the United Democratic Slate swept all four seats...